You’ve probably seen the term “rhodium plated silver” while shopping for jewellery but you may not know what it means. House of Jewellery uses this term quite frequently because of how many products we carry that have rhodium plating. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post for you to better understand exactly what it is and why it’s important.
What is Rhodium?
Let’s start off with the basics: Rhodium is a chemical element on the periodic table. It’s fairly rare, so it’s usually more expensive than silver. Even though it’s considered a precious metal, rhodium is too brittle to be made into a piece of jewellery itself. Instead, many people use it to plate more malleable metals like silver or white gold. This is to hide any imperfections and to make the jewellery shine brighter.
Rhodium Plated Silver
Since rhodium is a durable metal, it doesn’t tarnish and doesn’t need to be cleaned the same way regular silver does. Rhodium can wear off over time, but the rate is much slower compared to other metals, especially if it has an e-coating and properly taken care of.
Many people say that rhodium adds an extra layer of shine to a piece of jewellery. That lustre can enhance the appearance of the piece. Some argue that the look of rhodium amplifies diamonds and improves their appearance. That’s partially because jewellery usually has a thicker layer than other plated items, making them look a darker shade of silver.
Is Rhodium Plated Silver Worth it?
If you’re looking for a long-lasting piece of jewellery, then it is worth the investment. As mentioned before, it doesn’t tarnish and wears off at a slower rate than other metals. However, the biggest benefit to rhodium is that it’s nickel-free, making it a great hypoallergenic option. House of Jewellery carries a wide variety of sterling silver with rhodium plated options. Be sure to visit our website for an extensive collection of trendy minimalist jewellery.
How to Care for Rhodium Plated Silver
The key to taking care of rhodium plated silver – or any jewellery for that matter – is to prevent it from getting wet. Avoid wearing jewellery while swimming, working out, or washing the dishes. If you do get your jewellery wet, be sure to dry it immediately.
